Sensex dips below 16k level, tanks 290 pts in opening trade

The BSE benchmark Sensex on Thursday dipped below 16,000 points level, the lowest in nearly two months, by losing about 290 points in opening trade as foreign funds took to frantic selling triggered by a meltdown in the global markets.

Also, Thursday being the last session of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment, squaring-up of positions by market players further dampened the trading sentiment.

The 30-share index fell by 289.66 points to trade below 16,000 points level at 15,993.83 points in opening trade. The level last seen on September 7.

Brokers said continued profit-taking by funds and investors, driven by overnight losses in the US markets after a disappointing consumer confidence report and weak trend in early trade on other Asian bourses also cast their shadows on the trading sentiment here.

Besides, squaring-up of pending outstanding positions on the last day of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment also dragged stocks down, they said.

Shares of RIL traded 1.15 per cent down at Rs 2,012.25, and Infosys by 2.03 per cent to Rs 2,211.

Meanwhile, the the Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 2.50 per cent. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.21 per cent down on Wednesday.